Xabi Alonso got his way yesterday and was sold to Real Madrid for £30million, but Ferguson says that losing him will not change anything at Liverpool.

“I don’t know if it will make a big difference to Liverpool, Alonso going,” he said. “He is a good player, but I’m not sure if losing him will affect them.

“The thrust of the Liverpool team is really all about Gerrard and Torres. If they stay fit, it improves Liverpool’s chances. But Liverpool have just had probably their best season for 20 years, finished up with 86 points, and still finished four adrift. It will be hard for them to match that, let alone improve. Other teams will read Liverpool better.”

Ferguson is convinced Chelsea are the only team to give United a run for their money.

“It has to be Chelsea as the main threat,” said Ferguson.

“Ancelotti will change the way Chelsea play. There is plenty of flexibility in what he’s got and he should get goals from Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.”